THE DEFENSE

A: My name is Douglas and we are here in Chelsea on 14th Street just off of 8th Avenue. My son and I came down here to pick up these two chairs and move them to his new apartment.

Q: Tell me about your car.

A: This is a 2000 Dodge Stratus. I bought it from a guy in my building for $700 eight years ago and it runs like a baby. It’s my sweetheart. It’s a four cylinder and it’s great on gas. These days you can’t buy a fancy car if it’s a gas guzzler, so I love my car. Can’t complain about it.

Q: Do you know how many miles are on it?

A: It has 151,646 miles on it.

Q: You know it down to the digit?

A: Yes sir and it’s running great.

Q: Do you use this car mostly for business or pleasure?

A: It’s mostly pleasure. It’s my personal car.

Q: Do you ever take this car on road trips outside of the city?

A: I usually go to my relatives in Jersey, my sister-in-law’s, or my brother-in-law’s. I have family over there. I usually go out to see them once or twice a month.

Q: Where’s the furthest that you’ve driven in your Dodge Stratus?

A: The furthest I’ve driven is Pennsylvania.

Q: Do you have any rules for people when they get in your car?

A: The only rule is I don’t like for people to eat in my car. I don’t want them to get crumbs everywhere. My grandson gets in and he makes a mess, but what are you going to do? He’s allowed to make a mess.

Q: Do you listen to the radio in your car? If so, what type of music do you like to listen to?

A: Oh yeah, salsa! I’m an old time salsa dancer. I love it all. Puerto Rican salsa, all of it. I love it! Here’s my salsa pose. Ready? You gotta be quick to see my moves.

Q: If your car had an emotion, what would it be?

A: If my car had an emotion, it would be cool. It’s a cool car.

Q: What else should we know about your car?

A: Number one, it’s great on gas. Second of all, it’s comfortable. You can’t go wrong with this car. I love it!

Photos and interview by Jai Mitchell

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